"My birth at Chesterfield Birth Center"

I live in South Sheffield and was very keen to have a water birth so chose to have my baby at Chesterfield as they had access to more birthing pools. My care before baby was fantastic- as my first baby I was never made to feel silly for calling to ask a question or visiting triage or the pregnancy assessment unit to check something out. The team even remembered me when I did eventually go in to labour.

The midwife led room I was in was lovely and spacious and the changeable lighting made it so we could help keep things calm or wake me up a bit when needed. The midwives (we were supported by 3 over 3 shifts) all knew my birth preferences and supported me as much as possible to keep them while suggesting alternatives where needed. They introduced some aromatherapy smells to help me in labour and gave us space throughout the labour so you didn't feel crowded or fussed over but very much looked after and they were always at the end of a buzzer to answer questions or help.

In the end my baby had pooed in her waters and I was quickly moved to consultant led care for monitoring and delivery. I moved with the same midwife and although much of my birth preferences were no longer possible the midwifed that took over knew my birth plan and kept to as much as they could.

On trinity ward after labour we were monitored and baby was observed just to make sure the meconium hadn't caused issues. The ward itself was spacious and lovely. A huge added bonus that babies dad could stay over with us on the ward. The team supported us with any questions about feeding, what was normal etc and the extended team including physio therapists etc were all fantastic! !

The care we received throughout out time at the Center and on the ward was second to none and I would recommend the Center to my friends and family without question or hesitation. Thank you to a truly a fantastic team! ! !